After graduating from college, I worked as a journalist for a newspaper in China for eight years. I also authored and published a best-selling book in Chinese. I came to the United States in 1988 to get my master’s degree and to pursue software engineering with computer languages. While at San Francisco State, I worked as a freelancer translating and writing for a bilingual newspaper. After getting my degree, I worked on building software and databases. In 2002, I started working on spoken languages. I have been working as a full-time freelance translator since then by choice. In the translation industry, few companies hire in-house translators; the industry is primarily made up of freelancers.

What’s your educational background?

My bachelor’s degree is in Chinese Language and Literature from Nanjing University. I have a Masters in Business Administration with an IT focus from San Francisco State. I consistently attend courses, seminars and conferences and earn credits/certificates in the profession, and keep up with the industry and its technology in order to polish my skills.

What is translation?

Translation always involves two languages. It is the process of translating one language to another in written form. Translation is more than literal conversion of words and sentences. Translating conveys in the target language the meaning of the source language

with the best words and sentences of the target language. Adapting the source language material into another market of another language and culture is called “localization.”

Additionally, it includes elements such as color and image. Language is an art and is always changing, and a translator must know when to use a word that is ancient or modern, provincial or metropolitan, in two languages.

What are your duties?

As the owner of White Song, Inc., I execute every company role. I provide understanding in the source language and translate or localize into another language and culture, in marketing/communication and in other specialties with my team members’ [other freelancers] help and support. I also help companies prepare proposals and negotiate contracts, and coach managers and executives in Chinese business culture. In addition, I develop and actualize new ideas. For example, I have authored and published two more books for travelers in the Show and Go! Collection for Beijing and Shanghai, which helps visitors travel to China without having to learn Chinese.

What’s the competition in this industry?

One is machine translation. The problem is that machine translation has a high percentage of error. Even though it is possible for automation to complete about five to 15 percent

of a translation job, the need for human involvement is still crucial. Personally, I find translating what’s been done by machine a fun challenge instead of a threat; I feel

a sense of accomplishment from these types of jobs. Language is always changing, and technology cannot catch up as quickly as a human can. Secondly, outsourced translation services pose another competition. But, those individuals may not know the culture they’re translating for, thus sentences or words can be less meaningful. With the rapid growth of information, people will always need our skills because accurate translating demands a personal touch.

What insights can you give to aspiring translators?

When I first started my business, I networked as much as possible. I am a member of the American Translators Association and the Northern California Translators Association. When clients are pleased with your work, they typically ask if you can translate more or even other languages. That’s where networking is beneficial because we can refer to

and work with other translators who specialize in those languages or areas. Even though I only know English and Chinese, I can take on work for other languages by working with other freelancers. A lot of people in the translation field do not have a language degree. Many obtained special knowledge first in other disciplines, such as engineering, law or chemistry, and mastered multiple languages in the process. So, mastering two languages and choosing a specialty will enable you to start off being a translator. Very soon, you will find you can deliver comprehensive translations for your clients.

Translation is an exciting and challenging career. You are bridging the gap between people who otherwise can’t communicate with each other. You are able to see how people view things from different languages and cultures. You have the opportunity to travel to see different parts of the world.

If you would like to be considered for a career profile or want to nominate someone, please e-mail Charlotte Cusack at ccusack@bayareanewsgroup.com.